Murder Preliminary Hearing Continues Due to Scheduling Conflict

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On May 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe was presented evidence of homicide to assist his ruling on probable cause.

Tre’quan Nelson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that claimed 34-year-old Delonte King’s life on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

There are two more co-defendants charged in connection to the murder. Demonte Gibson, 26, is being charged with first-degree premeditated murder. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that Gibson was the killer on March 29.

Asani Forte, 25, is being charged with accessory after the fact to the assault with intent to kill for his assistance to Gibson and Nelson after King’s murder.

According to court documents, Gibson and Nelson were seen approaching King at the intersection of 14th Street and Girard Street the day of the incident, which is caught on surveillance footage. A witness heard one of them say “you see this right here,” or something to that extent, before firing six to eight gunshots in King’s direction and running away.

Surveillance footage at an apartment building nearby shows Gibson and Nelson entering the building with ski masks on, and exiting the building a few moments later with no masks on. The men allegedly meet up with Forte.

According to the lead detective, when interviewed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), all three defendants identified themselves as the individuals seen in surveillance video before or after the shooting.

Nelson’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, questioned the detective based on his knowledge of Nelson carrying a gun. The detective said no surveillance footage shows Nelson carrying or shooting a gun.

Due to the defense’s scheduling conflicts, the preliminary hearing was continued.

Parties are expected back in court May 2 to litigate probable cause and receive the judge’s ruling.

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